Synonym Chooser

How does the noun delusion contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of delusion are hallucination, illusion, and mirage. While all these words mean "something that is believed to be true or real but that is actually false or unreal," delusion implies an inability to distinguish between what is real and what only seems to be real, often as the result of a disordered state of mind.

delusions of persecution

When can hallucination be used instead of delusion?

While in some cases nearly identical to delusion, hallucination implies impressions that are the product of disordered senses, as because of mental illness or drugs.

suffered from terrifying hallucinations

Where would illusion be a reasonable alternative to delusion?

The synonyms illusion and delusion are sometimes interchangeable, but illusion implies a false ascribing of reality based on what one sees or imagines.

an illusion of safety

When is it sensible to use mirage instead of delusion?

The words mirage and delusion can be used in similar contexts, but mirage in its extended sense applies to an illusory vision, dream, hope, or aim.

claimed a balanced budget is a mirage

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of delusion Ultimately, there may be no way for Israel to escape its smart-bomb delusion—or another quagmire in the Middle East. Robert A. Pape, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 2025 This mental health condition can produce delusions, hallucinations, false beliefs, and a lack of self-care. Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 6 June 2025 This square can bring spiritual delusions or idealized dreams that need refining. Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 29 May 2025 And that delusion puts him at odds with the last character, Jeff, played by Ramy Youssef. Andrew Wallenstein, Variety, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for delusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delusion
Noun
  • But here’s the thing: Quantity isn’t the problem—illusion is.
    Sabeer Nelliparamban, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Bistro lighting hung overhead to give the illusion of a starry night sky.
    Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Learn the secrets behind wands, wishing trees and other plant folklore and myths.
    Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
  • The man, the myth, the Netflix legend is back and more flirty than ever.
    Allison DeGrushe Published, EW.com, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Ps ur avocado toast is on the long list of reasons why ur my dream wife.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 26 June 2025
  • There are still a handful of dream sequences and surreal interludes that seem to want to underscore the show’s deep psychological curiosity, and its unwillingness to be an easy watch.
    Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • With very little margin for error, any misstep could lead to a steep correction.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • De Vries has also committed 15 errors at shortstop.
    Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • The Old Guard 2 — a sequel to the Charlize Theron fantasy superhero hit from 2020 — arrives on Netflix this week.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • Set in a fantasy version of early 1900s Japan, the series focuses on the adventures Tanjiro Kamado, an ordinary boy whose peaceful life in the mountains is disrupted when demons murder his family.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Everything is laid out here, from Sonny’s contempt for authority to his capacity for superstition.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 17 June 2025
  • Surely, Mike McDermott has all the traits of an old-school baseball coach, from his emphasis on fundamentals, the energy belying his years, the sharp, dry wit and slew of superstitions.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 15 June 2025
Noun
  • From $635 per night. La Réserve feels a bit like a daydream manifested.
    Madeline Weinfield, Architectural Digest, 3 June 2025
  • Zooey Deschanel is living in a Screen Actors Guild Awards daydream.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 6 May 2025
Noun
  • Just to the south, there is a vision for a regional transportation center, plus apartments on the site of the decaying One Talcott Plaza.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2025
  • Still, its trine to numinous Neptune inspires you to expand your horizons and share your visions and ideas with others.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Delusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delusion. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on delusion

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